A passionate wedding haka that moved a New Zealand bride to tears is making everyone else cry too after being watched more than 19m times.
Ms Armstrong, 21, told the BBC she was "blown away" by the performance. She said the haka was a sign of respect from her husband's best man and family not, as some have commented online, an attempt to intimidate him. "They are quite strong, the men in their family," she said.
A haka - with its shouting, body-slapping and exaggerated facial expressions - is used in traditional Maori culture as a war cry to intimidate the enemy, but also to welcome special guests and at celebrations.
In it, they watch with emotion as the groomsmen and guests surprise them with a heartfelt performance of the traditional dance, before joining in themselves. "I wasn't planning on jumping in until one bridesmaid did," said Ms Armstrong. "I felt the need to show love and respect back. I was really blown away."
Women do not normally perform the haka in Maori culture but she said they can do at weddings. The nearly three-minute video ends with the couple emotionally embracing the performers.
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Ms Armstrong, 21, told the BBC she was "blown away" by the performance. She said the haka was a sign of respect from her husband's best man and family not, as some have commented online, an attempt to intimidate him. "They are quite strong, the men in their family," she said.
A haka - with its shouting, body-slapping and exaggerated facial expressions - is used in traditional Maori culture as a war cry to intimidate the enemy, but also to welcome special guests and at celebrations.
In it, they watch with emotion as the groomsmen and guests surprise them with a heartfelt performance of the traditional dance, before joining in themselves. "I wasn't planning on jumping in until one bridesmaid did," said Ms Armstrong. "I felt the need to show love and respect back. I was really blown away."
Women do not normally perform the haka in Maori culture but she said they can do at weddings. The nearly three-minute video ends with the couple emotionally embracing the performers.
Source
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One of the most sincere wedding rituals I have ever seen. Blessings to all.
so powerful and beautiful
It does something to me every time I see Haka, but this one brought me to tears it was so touching!
Moved me to tears. Ancient beautiful and powerful
When I hear and watch this with great joy, I get an overwhelming feeling of the deepest love and honouring ancient roots along with tears of pride and profound love stirring the heart and soul.